I did try to search for a thread like this but nothing came up this specific. What are some examples of what Catcher's do for themselves in between innings to stave off heat problems on 90+ days?
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If the coach is smart he will be rotating at least two catchers to allow each one to rest a game.
Drink a ton of water. Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
My son used to put wash rags in a small cooler with ice water, then in between innings he would use them to cool off his face, neck etc.
On really brutal days someone from the bench would go out and warm up the pitcher for the first few throws just to get a few more seconds out of the sun.
Originally Posted by CaCO3Girl:
I did try to search for a thread like this but nothing came up this specific. What are some examples of what Catcher's do for themselves in between innings to stave off heat problems on 90+ days?
We're heading to AZ in a couple weeks and then to Georgia, so my kid brings snap towels (I think that's what they are called). You pour water on them and snap them and they get cold. He puts it on his head and neck between innings, its really amazing. Or you can go old school with a towel dipped in an ice bucket. They just need a cooler in the dugout and the kids keep the towels in the cooler or in their bags.
Not trying to be a wiseass but the best way to keep cool is get 3 outs and get back in the dugout.
...other than that, yeah, hydrate, and start it hours before the games.
I third the cold wet towels. Any time I have a team playing on a hot day, I use them. Go to the dollar store and buy the packs of cheap utility cloths, slightly bigger than a typical washcloth and similar material. Roll them up, stick them in a small ice chest and throw a little bit of water and a lot of ice over them. It makes a huge difference. Bring them home, throw them in the washer and ready to go for next day. Of course, pitchers and catchers are the biggest beneficiaries but works for everyone.
Cooling items in the dugout are great and seem to have been well described above. The comment about staying in dugout while others do most of the warm up is a good idea. Staying relaxed behind the plate and not having to fetch foul balls is a good strategy. Getting equipment off quickly with assistance. On brutal days with zero breeze, think about a possible battery operated fan (little 10-12 inch will get some air moving). Review current "wardrobe" and look for any options for cooler materials. Cut hair short. And lastly, you may not have much control over how quickly you get outs, but the coach/team can ensure that they move things along reasonably quickly (maybe just one throw over to first instead of 3-4). On the reverse, try to keep their batter in the box as often as possible. And lastly ramp up the offense so the catcher gets a longer break. I really think at some point after all the towels and stuff are in place, it really boils down to getting the kid out of the sun as quickly as possible.
Originally Posted by Rob T:
My son used to put wash rags in a small cooler with ice water, then in between innings he would use them to cool off his face, neck etc.
That's what we did for my son when he caught in travel ball. We had a small cooler with water/ice/clean utility rags. He would drap a cold, wet rag over his neck while in the dugout. Made a difference on hot & humid days.
The cold towels are a good choice. And as much as they feel great on the head and neck (and should be utilized there!) ice packs to the arm pits and the groin will also cool the body quickly and efficiently. Another good place to put cold towels or ice packs are the wrists and hands.
Hydration is critical and I would say that pitchers and catchers should both be consuming some form of electrolyte drink (Gatorade, Powerade, etc) as needed on hot days. Eating is another very important step as well as sleep. Fatigue plays a huge role in heat illnesses.
We have to be diligent in the heat. Heat illnesses are 100% preventable!
Most catchers I know freeze a wet wash cloth and then keep it in a cooler of ice water. Also lots of water BEFORE the game and lots during. Hydrating before a game is as important as keeping hydrated during the game.
Frog togs or wet towels. Let the catcher know that on HOT/humid days it is OKAY to get in the shade if at all possible and take a seat to conserve energy.
Hydrate all day long. As soon as you wake up start to drink water.
